Data Scientist

Overview

Data scientists collect, clean and model data to answer questions a business cannot answer by instinct alone. The work blends statistics, programming and a clear sense of what problem is worth solving.

The field is broad. Some roles lean towards machine learning and engineering, others towards analysis and storytelling. Either way, the ability to explain findings to non-technical colleagues matters as much as the code.

What you'll do

• Gather and clean data from databases, files and APIs
• Explore data to find patterns, trends and outliers
• Build and evaluate statistical and machine learning models
• Create dashboards and visual summaries for stakeholders
• Work with product and business teams to frame the right questions

Key skills

• Python
• SQL
• Statistics
• Machine learning
• Data visualisation
• Data cleaning
• Problem framing
• Storytelling with data

Typical roles

• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Analytics Consultant

Job titles and responsibilities differ between organisations. Salaries vary by employer, city and experience.

How to get there

1. 1Online MCA with a Data Science or Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning specialisation
2. 2Online M.Sc in Data Science for a mathematics-led route
3. 3Certificate programmes in Predictive Analytics with Python or Big Data & Data Engineering to add skills alongside work